In Conversation

Norwegian trumpeter Arve Henriksen has forged one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music, blurring the boundaries between jazz, folk, ambient soundscapes and improvisation. Joining the Australian Chamber Orchestra for its From Winter's Stillness tour, Arve discusses the inspirations behind this unique collaboration, his long-standing musical partnership with Trio Mediæval, and how the landscapes, history and traditions of Scandinavia continue to shape his music.
In this conversation, Arve also reflects on a lifetime spent collecting sounds rather than styles, explaining why he believes improvisation is something we're all born with. He shares stories of growing up in a family marching band on Norway's rugged west coast, discovering jazz through Jan Garbarek, and why nature remains his greatest creative influence. We get a glimpse of his collaborative approach to music-making, where composition emerges organically from listening, trust and the courage to leave space between the notes.
Arve Henriksen and Trio Mediæval join the Australian Chamber Orchestra for From Winter’s Stillness around Australia until August 9.

Australian soprano Gemma Nha has taken an extraordinary path from singing Katy Perry songs on The Voice Kids to performing on some of the world's leading opera stages. After studying at the Sydney Conservatorium, the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and The Juilliard School, and following engagements with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Vienna's Volksoper, she returns home to make her role, company and house debut as Gilda in Opera Australia's Rigoletto.
In this conversation, Gemma reflects on the journey that led her to opera, despite initially resisting the art form, and how a childhood trip to see Wicked on Broadway inspired her to pursue a life on stage. She speaks about balancing careers in opera and musical theatre, the challenges of developing a young voice, and why learning languages is an essential key to fully understanding the works.
Gemma also speaks about life in Vienna, Chicago and New York, the artists who have shaped her, and the importance of trusting your own artistic journey rather than comparing yourself with others. It's a thoughtful chat with one of Australia's most exciting young sopranos towards the start of her career.
Gemma Nha appears as Gilda in Rigoletto with Opera Australia until August 21.

Conductor, pianist and Opera Australia Head of Music Tahu Matheson joins In Conversation ahead of the Sydney season of The Drover's Wife, the acclaimed new Australian opera by George Palmer and Leah Purcell. Tahu explains why he believes the story is perfectly suited to opera, reflecting on the emotional power of the singing voice, the accessibility of Palmer's score, and his experience of helping shape a brand-new work from early workshops through to the world premiere.
The conversation also explores Tahu's musical upbringing, following his conductor father around Europe before settling in Australia, his early ambitions to become a concert pianist, and the unexpected moment that changed the course of his career: discovering Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. He shares his lifelong fascination with opera, the transition from pianist to répétiteur and conductor, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the often unseen work of Opera Australia's music staff, from coaching singers and preparing scores to balancing orchestral and vocal forces in performance.
Tahu also discusses the challenges of presenting contemporary opera alongside the great classics, why he believes audiences are rediscovering the thrill of live performance, and the enduring power of opera to move, challenge and inspire. 
Tahu Matheson conducts The Drover’s Wife for Opera Australia, August 7-15.

Internationally acclaimed American violinist Benjamin Beilman joins In Conversation while in Sydney to perform Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Renowned for the intensity and poetry of his playing, Ben reflects on his remarkable musical journey, from singing as a choirboy in Atlanta and beginning violin lessons through the Suzuki method, to studying at the Curtis Institute of Music with some of the world's most promising young musicians. He speaks warmly about the mentors who shaped his career, including Christian Tetzlaff, whose guidance extended far beyond the concert platform to the realities of life as an international soloist. Ben also reflects on the value of chamber music, the lessons he now passes on as one of Curtis's youngest faculty members, and how the musicians you meet as a student become lifelong musical companions.
Along the way, Ben gives us a glimpse into life as an international soloist, his love of chamber music, the remarkable historic violin he now performs on, and how becoming a father has given him a new perspective on both music and life.
Benjamin Beilman performs with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra 9-11 July.

Australian soprano Emma Pearson has built an extraordinary international career, performing with leading opera companies across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. After spending nine years as a principal artist with the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden in Germany – where she was later honoured with the prestigious title of Kammersängerin – Emma has returned to this side of the world while continuing to embrace new roles, including Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow for Opera Australia.
Emma reflects on the remarkable journey that led to her becoming one of Australia's most respected lyric sopranos. She discusses the formative influence of her teachers, the opportunities that took her to Germany, and the demanding but rewarding life of a repertoire singer, performing, rehearsing and learning multiple operas simultaneously. Emma also shares insights into the artistry of operetta, the challenges of mastering languages and new repertoire, and the lessons she now passes on to the next generation of singers through her teaching.
Along the way, she speaks candidly about balancing an international career with family life, and why kindness and professionalism matter just as much as vocal talent. Refreshingly down-to-earth, Emma offers a fascinating glimpse into the realities of life on, and beyond, the operatic stage.
Emma Pearson appears as Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow for Opera Australia in the Joan Sutherland Theatre of the Sydney Opera House until August 18 for certain performances. Check the website for details.